Warner Bros Sets Stephanie Koff To Script ‘Marco Polo’

EXCLUSIVE: For a guy who lived in the 13th Century, Marco Polo has suddenly caught Hollywood’s fancy. Warner Bros has set Stephanie Koff to write Marco Polo, a film Erwin Stoff is producing. Koff, who most recently adapted Wither, based on the bestselling young adult novel series The Chemical Garden Trilogy. She’s a writer of science fiction action and fantasy and will take Marco Polo in a new direction. This comes as Netflix has emerged as frontrunner on a nine episode order on a series created by John Fusco backed by The Weinstein Company and Electus. Polo was the Venice merchant traveler and storyteller who ventured to China and opened up Asia for trade. Koff is repped by Gersh and New Wave Entertainment.

16 Comments

I can’t think of anyone better to capture the voice of the late 13th century explorer than a 21st century young adult lit writer.

e.b. • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

So excited for this project, congrats to the whole team!

MKP • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

MARCO!!!!

Yes! Can’t wait!! Koff is an amazing writer and great talent!!

burrrbank • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

“… and will take Marco Polo in a new direction.” – Translation: This will have nothing to do with the actual historical figure. Maybe the show will explore the origins of the swimming pool game.

Marketing tie-in: Marco Polo Shirts (collared short sleeve pullovers with an embroidered Italy on the chest but made in China)

Spinoff: Mark O’Polo, the ribald adventures of a wandering Irishman who discovers a new route to Paris. Paris… Texas!

Sequel: MORE-co Polo!

Good luck, all.

D. Cohen • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

So happy for Stephanie! She’s an incredible writer, a wonderful person and truly deserves all the success in the world! Very excited for her and this project!

Chistophe • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

“She’s a writer of science fiction action and fantasy and will take Marco Polo in a new direction.”

Marco Polo went to Asia and back to Europe. Why/where on earth would you take him a new direction? Considering the writer’s scifi background, will Marco travel to another planet/universe or use teletransportation? I swear if the Warner Brothers turn this venerable historical figure into a ridiculous Pirates of The Caribean type of movie, I will lose the little faith I had left in humanity.

Amazing! • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

Stephanie is a FANTASTIC young writer. Mark my words, she is going to knock this script out of the park for WB and you will absolutely be hearing her name often in the future. And, no, I have nothing to do with this project, studio, or writer. I’m just a HUGE fan of hers based on the few things I’ve read.

hdof • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

I can’t take her seriously with these plants coming from her reps. Stop it. You’re making her look bad.

Youknownothing • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

You are assuming the original direction was a historical piece and this new direction is the Pirates version. MAYBE the original version was going to be the Pirates version and they are now taking it in a new direction and making it a historical piece. Or, maybe they are just trying to find a fun way to tell the Marco Polo story and what they’ve already tried hasn’t worked. You, sir, know nothing.

Twombley2 • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

This is now the third writer on this project that began back in 2010 with Frances Lawrence. WB is now chasing their tail given the Netflix announcement.

The space bar is your friend • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

Actually you’re the one who knows nothing, as evidenced by all your random guessing of possibilities. This is NOT a pure historical piece which you’d know if you’d been paying any attention to what’s going on with it. “A new direction” never means straight historical drama, ever. Ever. When I first heard about it, I cringed. What the man actually did was impressive enough. There’s no need to do what they’re doing. She’s a sci-fi/fantasy writer. That should be a tip off.

Christophe • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

To be honest, I’m a strong supporter of a writer’s right to try its hand at different genres. Routine is fatal to creativity and enthusiasm. But you’re right, the way the article was phrased lets us believe this script will be an excentric take on the Marco Polo story, which would be fine if there were a genuine vision behind it, but if it’s only a money-grabbing attempt to lure younger audiences then they should stop this trainwreck before it’s too late.

dude with a thought • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

I’m SO EXCITED for Stephanie. She’s such a gracious, hardworking writer. Im a fan of her tv AND film samples and am stoked to see how this one turns out. Go Steph!!

MK • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

Stephanie is an amazing writer. I’ve read WHITHER and it really is a fantastic script. I can see why she was hired off of it. If you haven’t read her, and don’t know what she’s capable of, don’t comment.

Just Sayin' • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

This woman is crazy talented. She wrote a biopic spec about boxing legend, Sugar Ray Leonard that is amazing. One of the best scripts I’ve ever read! Based on that work, I can’t wait to see what she achieves with Marco Polo. Congratulations, Stephanie!

Meisha Talmon • on Aug 8, 2013 2:21 pm

Please look at D. F. Morgan’s The Boy’s Marco Polo. At least they have a good story there! I want to see the real picture at long last… with no yucky stuff to keep the little kids away.